R. Kelly Responds to Accusations

A spokesman for R. Kelly issued an exclusive statement to TMZ on Friday which said, "It's hard to take seriously the moral outrage expressed by George and Regina Daniels over R. Kelly's relationship with Mr. Daniels's adult daughter, Maxine. The fact is that they had no problem with the relationship -- indeed, they encouraged it -- while Ms. Daniels was on Mr. Kelly's payroll."

The statement also went on to say that Regina Daniels was the one who persuaded Kelly to attend her step-daughter's 21st birthday party, and shortly after gave her daughter Kelly's private phone number saying, "Don't tell your father." According to the statement from TMZ, Daniels brought up the issue of a relationship only to avoid being fired for incompetence.

According to Vibe, Regina Daniels had issued a statement in August 2007 which said, "I have a great appreciation for Mr. Kelly as an artist, there are some lines that should never be crossed professionally or personally. Mr. Kelly crossed a line that forever altered the scope of our relationship. For this reason I made the decision to resign."

George Daniels, music retailer and husband of R. Kelly's former publicist, stated on Los Angeles radio station KJLH recently, that R. Kelly "crossed the line" with his daughter.